The distinction between Muslims on one hand and misbelievers, disbelievers and unbelievers on the other primarily lies in their concept or perception of Allah and the status of Muhammad (S.A.W). Whereas some believe that Allah does not exist, others err by associating partners with him directly or indirectly. Thus, the basis of Islam is belief in Allah as the one and only God and belief that Muhammad (S.A.W) is His Prophet and Messenger. This is the nucleus of this booklet. It is worthy of note that belief in Allah goes beyond ordinary testimony. It also includes realising the fact that all creatures willingly and unwillingly submit to Him and He is solely responsible for their security and protection.

Being the Absolute, He creates the living from the dead and the dead from the living. As a blessing, He created man to fit into the complexity of His creation. According to the author, “this enables him to take advantage of them for his benefit. Likewise, Allah has granted man the permission to adventure, investigate, find out and enjoy whatever benefit according to his ability provided it is not within the prohibited degree.”

The next section of the book discusses Muhammad (S.A.W). It is not another biography of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), though the reader needs to be conversant with his biography to appreciate the section. The author simply focused on his role as a model for guidance. He bore the message of Allah which was the same with what the previous Messengers and Apostles brought to their people, i.e. believe in Allah and worship Him alone. Acknowledged as the most influential man in the history of mankind by Michael H. Hart, a non-Muslim, Muhammad (S.A.W) established a community of believers with strong religious, economic, social and military institutions.

The message of Allah and by extension the teachings of Muhammad (S.A.W) are encapsulated in the Qur’an. This may have necessitated the inclusion of a section on the Qur’an. The author says, “of the knowledge that Allah has mercifully provided mankind for our guidance and success, the Qur’an is the most honourable because of its completion, perfection and finality.” Science and common sense cannot disprove its authenticity and uniqueness. Further more, Allah has made the Qur’an easy to understand such that it is the most memorised book ever known. Finally, the author highlighted the “mathematical miracle” of the Qur’an which revolves around the number nineteen (19).

Justice Bashir Sambo wrote the forward.

Download now (pdf, 350 KB)